It’s been 4-5 months since I’ve seen green leaves, so our field trip to the botanical gardens last weekend was just the ticket to get a boost of nature, a taste for spring and a rejuvenated perspective.
I haven’t been drawing or painting much lately, or spending any time in my sketchbook, which kinda makes me sad. One of my favorite things to draw is leaves, so it was especially wonderful to see all sorts of different hues of green, different sizes and shapes of leaves, and lots of tropical plants in the middle of winter.
I was off to such a good start with my sketchbook this time last year. I was experimenting at least once a week, and bursting with ideas. I guess inspiration strikes when it strikes.
Last semester, I spent so much of my free time working on design projects and illustrations for class that I didn’t make much time for personal exploration. And now I’m having a hard time getting back to that zone.
It’s a difficult time of year to find inspiration in nature because the first place I would normally go, our backyard, is covered in snow. Most of our vegetation is dormant, and it’s cold and windy outside. It’s that time of year when cabin fever starts to set in and spring fever starts to creep up. I’ve been searching so hard lately to spot my first robin. I did spot a flock of young cardinals this morning, which was a great sign.
Because I spend a good part of my week in class, another part immersed in design projects, and another part researching, brainstorming and concepting ideas for projects, I’m finding that I don’t have a lot of creative energy left.
I really miss my sketchbook and my sewing machine. I think they are both creative outlets that help feed my primary creative focus these days – design school.
This might sound crazy, but I’m hoping to make a little less time for homework in order to make a little more time for my other creative outlets, illustrating and sewing. There’s plenty of inspiration right here in these pictures to get me started.
I think most people might call it balance. Hope you’re having a good week so far.
Terri
Terri's Notebook 
I think personal creativity can come in ebbs and flows. Its understandable that if you’re using lots of creative juices at school that you’re all squeezed out for personal projects. School won’t last forever and then you’ll probably find yourself drawn back to your journalling and sewing. It’s good to hear that you’re striving to find some balance and still finding inspiration… I’m sure you’ll work out a happy medium for yourself and your well-being 🙂
Thanks so much for your insight, Shell! You know me, whenever my creative juices at home seem to fade, I get a little out of sorts. The classes I have this semester are the most advanced and intense, so I’ve been sinking all my energy into them. But that’s not a good balance at all. I can’t wait to get my yard back so I can sit in the backyard and daydream in the warm spring sunshine while listening to the busy birds.
Hop your creativity comes back with a soaring vengeance soon Terri!! lol Hugs!
Beautiful Pics, and it’s always nice and pretty at the Garden. Happy sketching. http://projectsbyMtetar.wordpress.com
Thank you for sharing the wonderful variety of beautiful plants! I can certainly relate to what you are saying about having enough energy to be inspired outside of your classes! I know you’ll be back to making your wonderful sewing projects in no time. Spring is right around the corner, little signs are coming and going around here too, I can hardly wait as well!
Enjoy your weekend!